Millions for city...now we’re motoring

SHEFFIELD has been given a massive boost with hundreds of millions of pounds to be spent on an extra lane for the M1 motorway, tram-trains to run between the city and Rotherham and improvements to the railways.

The hard shoulder of the M1 will be used as a fourth lane of motorway, it has been revealed. And a trial of new tram-trains could begin in two years’ time.

Meanwhile rail improvements, including electrifying the Sheffield to London mainline, and removing bottlenecks between Sheffield to Manchester, could take place in the next seven years.

In an exclusive interview with The Star, Transport Secretary Justine Greening, said: “I’m delighted we have such a big package of transport schemes that are going to make a huge difference.”

We are keen to crack on with these kinds of infrastructure projects to show that the Government is keen to invest in our infrastructure.”

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber, which represents businesses around the city, welcomed the news.

He told The Star: “These investments are part of a much bigger integrated programme to really grow the economy in this region and further underpin our confidence in delivering this vision.”

A new report, prepared by think tank IPPR North on behalf of the Northern Economic Futures Commission lobby group, has said the investment in transport would provide a £4 boost to the local economy for every £1 spent, and create tens of thousands of jobs.

SHEFFIELD has been given a massive boost with hundreds of millions of pounds to be spent on an extra lane for the M1 motorway, tram-trains to run between the city and Rotherham and improvements to the railways.